I highly doubt Horvat signs a long term deal for less than 5 million. Either you're looking at a bridge deal in the 4 million range or 5 - 6 million long term.

The rest of that forward RFA group is pretty telling. I'd qualify Boucher.... maybe Rodin (doubtful) and I guess some combo of the interchangeable parts.

On defence it's more interesting. I can't tell what Gudbranson is worth. Prior to the trade I would have expected him to demand 5 million but this year has been a setback. A bridge deal seems most likely but how many years away from UFA is he? 3? You can't bridge him to then.

rockalt wrote:I highly doubt Horvat signs a long term deal for less than 5 million. Either you're looking at a bridge deal in the 4 million range or 5 - 6 million long term.

Quite right. If Bo's agent has even half a brain he asks for the term possible or the long-term $6+M. The latter is in Bo's best interests as there are no guarantee's in this league and a short-term deal could be a bad thing if he gets injured or if suddenly he ends up with shit linemates and doesn't produce.

The rest of that forward RFA group is pretty telling. I'd qualify Boucher.... maybe Rodin (doubtful) and I guess some combo of the interchangeable parts.

I would qualify Gaunce (if it's the same salary as what he got this year). Rodin is worth another year if it's similar money. His agent doesn't have a leg to stand on in negotiations, no team will offer more than that.

On defence it's more interesting. I can't tell what Gudbranson is worth. Prior to the trade I would have expected him to demand 5 million but this year has been a setback. A bridge deal seems most likely but how many years away from UFA is he? 3? You can't bridge him to then.

Tryamkin is worth bending a bit to keep, but he's a Russian, so make him earn the big payday as too many young Ruskies sign big and then wilt.

Gudbranson is worth taking to 1 year shy of RFA. If Benning can't get him to do that then trade him to a team with an extension in place just waiting for him to sign.

rockalt wrote:I highly doubt Horvat signs a long term deal for less than 5 million. Either you're looking at a bridge deal in the 4 million range or 5 - 6 million long term.

On defence it's more interesting. I can't tell what Gudbranson is worth. Prior to the trade I would have expected him to demand 5 million but this year has been a setback. A bridge deal seems most likely but how many years away from UFA is he? 3? You can't bridge him to then.

For Horvat my fave corny ideal is still $5.3M per over 8 years, locked up for life young blood.

Blob Mckenzie wrote:May as well throw the UFA guys in here as well. I'll puke if Miller and Skilpr are back.

What's your beef with Miller?

He will want 5-6 million. Markstrom is set to make 3.8. Why exactly is the leagues most boring team tying up 8-10 million in goalies ? Do you want to stick your 6ft 13 ass in a seat to watch that shit ?

Rodin I think becomes FA due to the number of games he didn't play. Age plus lack of required NHL games and he's UFA. I'd wait until July for sure before deciding on him. But he's not worth anymore than his current deal.

Blob Mckenzie wrote:May as well throw the UFA guys in here as well. I'll puke if Miller and Skilpr are back.

What's your beef with Miller?

He will want 5-6 million. Markstrom is set to make 3.8. Why exactly is the leagues most boring team tying up 8-10 million in goalies ? Do you want to stick your 6ft 13 ass in a seat to watch that shit ?

Oh Ok, gotcha. I just assume that if Miller returns Markstrom will be traded and Demko brought in to learn the ropes from Miller.

To be honest, I don't know what options Miller will have available though if he leaves Vancouver. Most teams that are contenders (or close to) already have their starter. The only one that is looking like a decent playoff team without a legit starter under contract next season is Calgary, and Miller apparently wouldn't even consider them.

The California teams have their goaltending situation dialed in. Anaheim isn't as locked in as the other two, but they seem committed to Gibson. They could give Miller Bernier's $4M though.....but Miller would have to be willing to share a job, something he's apparently not keen on.

Blob Mckenzie wrote:May as well throw the UFA guys in here as well. I'll puke if Miller and Skilpr are back.

What's your beef with Miller?

He will want 5-6 million. Markstrom is set to make 3.8. Why exactly is the leagues most boring team tying up 8-10 million in goalies ? Do you want to stick your 6ft 13 ass in a seat to watch that shit ?

Oh Ok, gotcha. I just assume that if Miller returns Markstrom will be traded and Demko brought in to learn the ropes from Miller.

To be honest, I don't know what options Miller will have available though if he leaves Vancouver. Most teams that are contenders (or close to) already have their starter. The only one that is looking like a decent playoff team without a legit starter under contract next season is Calgary, and Miller apparently wouldn't even consider them.

The California teams have their goaltending situation dialed in. Anaheim isn't as locked in as the other two, but they seem committed to Gibson. They could give Miller Bernier's $4M though.....but Miller would have to be willing to share a job, something he's apparently not keen on.

Don't assume Miller will chase a Cup. He is good for one more contract, 2-3 years max, and then his career is likely over. I think he is more interested in a family fit at this point. Don't know why you rule Calgary out. But if a Cup isn't in the cards Las Vegas makes sense.

I see Vancouver, Vegas, Anaheim and Calgary as possibilities. But I don't rule out Dallas either. Major transportation hub, easy commute to LA.

Hockey Widow wrote:Don't assume Miller will chase a Cup. He is good for one more contract, 2-3 years max, and then his career is likely over. I think he is more interested in a family fit at this point. Don't know why you rule Calgary out. But if a Cup isn't in the cards Las Vegas makes sense.

I see Vancouver, Vegas, Anaheim and Calgary as possibilities. But I don't rule out Dallas either. Major transportation hub, easy commute to LA.

Bishop, Darling, Miller would be the top tier UFA goalies to target this July 1st.

Like an old Ed Belfour that won in Dallas, I can see them signing MillerTime, he just suits them somehow, they'll buyout Niemi and then give $3M-4M per for 3 years for RM. Sure they'll try to get Bishop, MAF, Darling first probably but will be outbid by other teams.

Bishop will get silly paid.

Darling imo will get around 4x4 ish.

& then there is the whole MAF situation, Vegas may very well scoop him up.

Having said that if the Canucks re-sign Miller for a couple years (after expansion draft dust settles), that's the final nail in the coffin for Markstrom as JB might put out some feelers out there if there's any interest in Markstrom in a hockey deal at the draft/summer.

Hockey Widow wrote:Rodin I think becomes FA due to the number of games he didn't play. Age plus lack of required NHL games and he's UFA. I'd wait until July for sure before deciding on him. But he's not worth anymore than his current deal.